Local Elections Don't Draw Same Attention as Presidential Races, But More Might Be At Stake

Today is election day in Onondaga County and throughout the state with local contests as well as statewide propositions on the ballot.

Locally, city residents will be selecting Syracuse's next Mayor...or keeping the one they have. Stephanie Miner seeks re-election in a race with Conservative Ian Hunter and Green Party Candidate Kevin Bott. Hunter tried to get Republican backing, but was shunned; the GOP then decided not to field any challenger, after several political moves to hold the place on the ballot. The next mayor will have to deal with fiscal problems, though will also play a role in continued downtown development, school issues including the possibility of expanding Pre-K, public safety and many other topics.

JOIN US FOR LIVE ELECTION COVERAGE TONIGHT ON WAER FM-88.3. WE'LL HAVE LIVE REPORTS FROM THE FIELD AND OUR STUDIOS EVERY HALF HOUR STARTING AT 9:00.

COMMON COUNCIL CHANGES?

Republicans have hopes of cracking the Common Council. No GOP Councilors got a chance to influence city debates in recent years ...because there weren't any. Candidates in both Councilor at Large races and District Seats could change that.

GREEN PARTY HOPES

Another party trying to gain a voice is the Green Party. Howie Hawkins is running for the 4th Council District seat in a rematch from two years ago against Khalid Bey, and considers it as good a chance as any in recent years to have an alternative point of view in city hall. In addition to Hawkins and Mayoral Candidate Bott, Barb Humphreys is a Green running for School Board, where three Commissioners will be chosen.

COUNTY LEGISLATURE

Onondaga County voters will also be reshaping the Legislature. There are races in 9 of the 17 districts. One thing at issue is whether the Republican Party will retain a super-majority, giving it the ability to override vetoes and make borrowing decisions.

OTHER CHOICES ON THE BALLOT

Voters in many towns and villages are selecting Supervisors, Judges, and other town and village posts. There are also statewide propositions covering Gambling Casinos, Land Issues in the Adirondacks, Judges' Age restrictions and other issues. Find out details of those here: Ballot Measures